Society as a System

For a given society (Nation, Region, City,, etc), the society consists of a number of networked social systems and some hierarchical social systems within a social system. The quality of communications within and across the social systems determines the coherence across the society.

This diversity of social systems should provide some inherent value in the social system.

The members from all social systems are form the full membership of the societal social system. These members are typically called Citizens. The members of a society are generally part of many social systems. The first social system that a person experiences is their family systems (household). This provides the first lived experience of a social system.

This integration of human activity system cultures will help shape a person's values and beliefs.

The social structure for a society may be written down or passed by word of mouth. In some national social systems, there is a constitution or some body of knowledge that shapes decisions.

Some societies have adopted the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

An ecological worldview for all human activity systems ensures that a holistic and inclusive approach is taken to the human activities. The principles in the Earth Charter also form a basis for values and beliefs that bridge the Ecological and Humanitarian dimensions.

Edgar H. Schein in the book, Organizational Culture and Leadership has defined a societal culture to be a "macro culture". This macro culture establishes the membrane and constrains individual behaviours and also exhibits coherent values and beliefs accepted by the members.

Edgar Schein has also included Cultural Dimension Theory from Geert Hofstede. The key dimensions of this theory are:

• Power distance index (PDI):

• Individualism vs. collectivism (IDV):

• Uncertainty avoidance (UAI):

• Masculinity vs. femininity (MAS):

• Long-term orientation vs. short-term orientation (LTO):

• Indulgence vs. restraint (IND):

Each of these dimensions can be used to assess and compare national cultures. As a result, some cultures can be identified as democratic, others as authoritarian. (get better list).

An Ecological Worldview can also be part of the culture and shape the actions and behavior of the members of the human activity system. The Household provides a foundation of this culture for every person (Citizen). This ecological worldview emerges within an enterprise through the following roles:

• Sustainability Manager or Officer
• Quality Managers for ISO 14000 series.
• Assessors for B-Corporation certificates.

The elements of the society highlighted above are based upon the "Social System" model. This model applies to all types of organisms: Bees, ants, etc. As humans evolved, more elaborate social systems were formed. This style of social system has many indigineous forms that still work in many parts of the world. Today, Society has taken many forms based upon human activity systems and the scale and scope of the various nations and communities that have formed.

Link to: System Description Society

The values and beliefs that are part of the national culture will influence the economy. Where there is a coherent democratic culture underpinned by a constitution (shared social structure), the economy may be aligned to the needs of the citizen and the planet. If there are political parties in this culture, they may be working to establish the aspirations enshrined in a constitution. In this case, political parties are working towards a common vision.

Where there is an authoritarian culture, the culture may align more to the needs of the authoritarian and other members in the support of the leader. This can create cross-cultural disagreements. In this type of society, there may be multiple political parties that have their own agendas rather than the collective society. In the case of America, "Trickle down" policies actually caused a "Trickle up effect". (this section to be improved).